From shopping and temple spotting to brunch and late-night dancing, here are all of my favourite things to do in Seminyak, Bali.
I’ve lived in a calmer area in Bali for years, but I’ll admit, sometimes I want fancy dining and glamorous nights out. That’s when I head to Seminyak. It’s perhaps Bali’s swankiest neighbourhood, where you’ll find snazzy cocktails by the beach, high-end Bali boutiques, Instagrammable cafes and award-winning restaurants. This urban area in southwest Bali is known for its famous sunset, popular beach, and the most fashion-forward crowds on the island. If you’re staying here for your next Bali holiday, I’ve picked out some of my favourite things to do in Seminyak: from all-day shopping sprees to late-night dancing and everything in between!
Planning your next holiday in Seminyak? Find out more about the neighbourhood in these guides:
- Where to eat in Seminyak right now
- Seminyak nightlife: cocktail bars & clubs
- Seminyak shopping guide
- The best spas in Seminyak
- The ultimate guide to Seminyak
My one-day Seminyak itinerary:
- Brunch at KYND
- Shopping spree at Bali Boat Shed
- Beachfront lunch at La Lucciola
- Afternoon massage at Bodyworks Spa Bali
- Catch the sunset on Seminyak Beach
- Dinner at Mama San
- Drinks and dancing at Motel Mexicola
Good to know before you go to Seminyak
Where is Seminyak?
Seminyak is a popular area on the southwest coast of Bali. It’s just 15 minutes north of Kuta and about 30 to 40 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic and the time of day. It sits between Legian and Canggu, making it one of the most accessible areas and a popular meeting point between Bali’s southeast and southwest neighbourhoods.
What is Seminyak best known for?
Seminyak is best known for its luxury beachfront resorts, stylish beach clubs, boutique shopping, and fine dining. The beach here is also famous for its breathtaking sunset views, and beginner to intermediate surfing.
Can you do day trips from Seminyak?
Yes, Seminyak is a good base for day trips across Bali. Popular options include:
- Visit Canggu’s surf, hipster cafes and award-winning restaurants (20 minutes from Seminyak)
- Tanah Lot Temple at sunset (1 hour from Seminyak)
- Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO cultural site (1.5 hours from Seminyak)
- Bedugul’s highlands and natural landscapes (2 hours from Seminyak)
The best things to do in Seminyak – 2025
1. Shop island fashion at Bali Boat Shed
Iconic Seminyak boutique with vibrant resort wear, bold prints and Bali’s best island fashion.
Not only is it a snazzy boutique packed with island fashion, Bali Boat Shed is also a Seminyak legend. This beach shack instantly catches your eye with its architecture and splashes colours, standing right in the heart of the neighbourhood. Inside is even more Instagrammable. Think fabulous maxi dresses, cute playsuits, swimwear, flowy kaftans, and even Hawaiian-chic shirts for him. They also carry their own range of prints and tropical designs, alongside other swoon-worthy labels.
2. Vegan breakfast at KYND Cafe
Insta-famous vegan cafe serving colourful plant-based dishes and dairy-free ice cream.
I had seen KYND all over Instagram before I even tried it. You would be forgiven for thinking this place is just about the looks. I was quite surprised to realise this popular cafe means serious business when it comes to the food – all of which is 100% plant-based.
Even as a non-vegan, it knocked my sandy socks off. The inventive menu is packed full of both sweet and savoury knockouts. Top tip: after your vibrant breakfast and hearty lunch, it’s always a good idea to finish off with a vegan ice-cream from KYND’s technicoloured creamery.
3. Beachfront lunch at La Lucciola
Beachfront restaurant offering timeless Italian dining and classic Seminyak ocean views.
It’s rare to find somewhere as iconic as La Lucciola that still feels so authentic. It’s one of the few beachfront restaurants in Bali that doesn’t need to shout to be heard – there’s no Wi-Fi, no social media or any loud marketing. Just open-air dining and old-school service in a breezy pavilion, right by the beach. Even the walk to the restaurant is a treat, past Petitenget Temple and over a cute little bridge.
I’ve been coming here for years and it hasn’t changed – which is exactly why I keep returning. The Italian-style menu is straightforward but beautifully done. There’s grilled fish, some of the best pasta I’ve ever tried, and crisp salads on the side. The menu here changes daily, keeping just a few firm favourites for the regulars.
4. Dinner at Mama San
Trendy Asian-fusion restaurant by Will Meyrick serving refined Asian street food in vintage style dining space.
One of my all-time favourite Asian restaurants in Bali is Mama San in Seminyak, and it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area. Created by celeb chef Will Meyrick, anyone who’s anyone knows this old-Shanghai-meets-gentleman’s-club restaurant.
I’m always impressed by the pan-Asian menu that clearly screams of the chef’s inspiration from his travels across Asia. It magically transforms into an elegant menu come nightfall. There are hand-crafted dim sums, hearty curries, and grilled meats and seafood packed full of spices, too.
And that’s before I mention the upscale interiors that cater to both groups and couples, the premium wine cellar and craft cocktails served from the sleek bar.
5. Fine dining Sunday Brunch at Mauri Restaurant
Contemporary fine-dining Italian spot known for its elegant degustation-style brunch.
If your Sunday Brunch ritual calls for a seemingly never-ending succession of fine dining delicacies, then you’ll want to book a hot-seat at Mauri Restaurant. You won’t find a buffet spread here, but rather, a degustation-style brunch where every dish is carefully curated, plated, and served to your table. If you have more time, you’ll want to come back on a weekday for lunch or dinner, to really get a taste of the kitchen’s specialty in classic Italian cuisine with a fine dining touch.
6. Sunset on Seminyak Beach
Golden sands lined with beach clubs and bars that come to life at sunset.
The best sunset spot in Seminyak is absolutely the beach. Think long stretches of sands, with a good mix of crowded and quiet spots. If you want your sunsets with gourmet bites and craft cocktails, Seminyak is luckily home to plenty of beach clubs and rooftop bars. Want more? Check out our top picks of sunset bars in Bali, including in Seminyak.
7. After-dinner cocktails and dancing at Motel Mexicola
Lively Mexican cantina and party hotspot with margaritas, tacos and retro fiesta vibes.
You’ve seen it all over Instagram! Motel Mexicola is without doubt the hottest hombre on the Seminyak block. Ever famous for its 1960s Acupulco retro style, this Mexican-inspired restaurant doubles up as a party pad that’s always exploding in bright neon, colourful murals and muy delicioso plates. FYI – Motel Mexicola is the Guinness World Record holder for “the most margarita sold in eight hours”, so you’ll want to get in on those margaritas too!
8. Lounge all day at Potato Head Beach Club
Sustainable beachfront icon with poolside cocktails, music and zero-waste design.
Being part of Desa Potato Head, a wholly sustainable, zero-waste “village”, Potato Head Beach Club has been carefully and consciously designed, with nods to local culture, community and the environment. And that’s why it’s always been a top pick of mine for beach clubs in Bali.
But of course, there are other reasons too, like the incredible food (with lots of plant-based options), the cocktails that use native flora, and the countless venues across the Desa that top off a day at Potato Head. I usually spend the day poolside, then head up to Sunset Park at sundown – it’s one of the best sunset bars in all of Bali.
9. Sip, swim, repeat at Mrs Sippy
Mediterranean-inspired pool club with diving platforms, cabanas and an island party crowd.
The spot to see and be seen, Mrs Sippy is Bali’s OG Mediterranean pool club that sits right in the heart of Seminyak. Taking centre stage is the lagoon-like pool, where you can nab a floating bean bag and drift to the pool bar, or take things up a notch and jump off the five-metre-high diving platform – cannon balls at the ready! You’ll also find the island’s fabulous crowds topping up their tan on the daybeds and private cabanas, or grazing on wood-fired Mediterranean cuisine.
10. Spa day at Bodyworks Spa Bali
Seminyak’s legendary day spa offering Balinese massages and signature flower baths.
When it comes to a spa day in Seminyak, Bodyworks Spa is always the first spa that comes to mind. It’s the pioneer of modern-day spas in Bali, tucked away on a side street, and has spent nearly two decades perfecting the art of pampering. The highly trained therapists do it all, from traditional Balinese massages to luxurious flower baths.
I love the flip-flop-ready pedicure and the “no more helmet hair” cream bath. And the setting is breathtaking too, just be sure to have a spa or photoshoot session booked if you’re wanting to take a picture. Admittedly, it’s become one of the most Insta-famed spots in Bali, so it isn’t as tranquil as it was many years ago. But Bodyworks is still a Seminyak icon, so it’s still worth a visit.
11. Visit Petitenget Temple
Sacred seaside temple offering peace, ceremony and spiritual charm in Seminyak’s urban heart.
Pura Masceti, or more famously known as Petitenget Temple, is a sacred sea temple in Seminyak, known for its tranquil ambiance amidst the bustling streets. Petitenget Temple is the guardian of Seminyak Beach, and an integral part of Bali’s series of sea temples that protect the island. If you time your visit perfectly, you may catch traditional ceremonies and enjoy serenity in Seminyak.
Did I miss any? Send us a DM on Instagram or email me on vici@thehoneycombers.com to share your favourites!
More FAQs on what to do in Seminyak
Is Seminyak good for families?
Yes. While known for its nightlife, Seminyak is also family-friendly. Resorts often have kids’ clubs and pools, and the beach is also great for sand play. Family-friendly restaurants and beach cafes make it easy for parents travelling to Bali with kids, too.
Can you surf in Seminyak?
Yes, Seminyak Beach is a great spot for beginner to intermediate surfers. The waves are more consistent than Sanur but less challenging than Uluwatu, making it a popular place for surf lessons and casual board-riding sessions.
Where are the best sunset spots in Seminyak?
The best sunset view in Seminyak is from the beach. But if you’re after somewhere where you can sit with some food and drinks, head to Ku De Ta, Potato Head Beach Club and La Plancha.
Is shopping good in Seminyak?
Yes! Seminyak is Bali’s shopping capital with a mix of designer boutiques, surf shops, art galleries, and homeware stores. The main shopping streets in Seminyak include Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Petitenget.
What are the best beach clubs in Seminyak?
Seminyak is home to some of Bali’s most iconic beach clubs, including Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta, and Mano Beach House. They’re perfect for sunbathing, swimming pools, DJs, cocktails, and sunset parties.
What is the nightlife like in Seminyak?
Seminyak nightlife is sophisticated and stylish, with cocktail bars, speakeasy-style lounges, beachfront bars and night clubs. Compared to Kuta’s party scene, Seminyak offers a more upscale night out, with venues like La Favela, ShiShi and The Iron Fairies leading the way.
If you’re staying in Seminyak for a few days, check out Seminyak’s best hotels for all budgets and luxury Instagrammable villas in Seminyak, too!